A choral work, The Judas Passion with the story told for the first time from perspective of the traitor will have its world premiere at Saffron Hall on Sunday, September 24.

Composer Sally Beamish and screenwriter David Harsent retell the story of the crucifixion from the view of Judas Iscariot.

The piece, that asks the question whether betrayal can ever be forgiven, opens in Saffron Walden with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and there will be a second performance at St John’s Smith Square, London, on Monday, September 25.

David Harset says: “The Judas Passion has great contemporary relevance, putting centre stage the man who has been made the scapegoat for the entire human race. Sally Beamish said: “My Quaker background played a part in my thinking, that to understand all is to forgive all.”